Skip to content
Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

140121 v.5 Associate Degree in Fine Art

AssocDArt(Curtin)

This course is not available to International Onshore Students on Student Visas



Course Overview

Associate degrees prepare students to develop broad knowledge and skills for paraprofessional/highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 6 qualifications.


This course develops levels of competence in conceptualising, observing and analysing visual information to express visual images in a variety of media. It is interdisciplinary in nature and encourages consideration of the potential for incorporating conceptual and technical approaches from a variety of sources. Students focus on creative work in a variety of disciplines including painting, fibre or textiles, printmaking, sculpture, installation and performance.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials. Students may be required to pay for additional expenses whilst on fieldwork/clinical placements.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au and include flexible entry pathways.


Interview and folio, as required. STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to a bachelor degree. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.


Course Entry/Completion Note

Students may be required to participate in field trips and/or short term internships during semester or in the mid-semester breaks.



Course Organisation

Associate degrees typically contains a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences.


The course has a common first year to introduce the basic concepts and philosophy of contemporary visual arts practice and provide an initial experience in all of the major studio disciplines taught within the Department. This enables those with a limited previous experience in fine art, visual arts or crafts practice to explore a wider range of art practice and to make a choice of major and minor studies in second year. Alternatively, the first year allows those with some prior training to develop an understanding of alternative forms of contemporary practice as a stimulus for new directions and learning. In second year, students elect a major studio area, a visual culture unit and a visual research unit. All are encouraged to undertake units offered by other teaching schools on the Kalgoorlie campus.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply discipline knowledge of creative production in both studio practice and art critical discourse; contribute to evidence based practice through visual research

2. think critically and reflectively by incorporating creativity within visual research and studio practice

3. critically evaluate visual culture, technology and literature relevant to the discipline; synthesise information from a range of sources

4. demonstrate effective visual, spoken and written communication appropriate to both studio practice and art critical discourse

5. use and discern technologies appropriate to the production of contemporary art

6. demonstrate personal awareness of a critically reflective studio practice; apply effective self-directed learning skills; sustain an engagement with visual culture and creative industries

7. recognise the significance of international visual arts and cultural practice in the development of local and national professional contemporary visual arts production

8. recognise the importance of cultural diversity and visual language; respect individuals from all cultures; develop cross-cultural collaborations that foster innovation and diversity in the visual arts

9. work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating art relevant professional practice and leadership skills


Duration and Availability

The course is two years' full-time or equivalent part-time study at Curtin University.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1       Y  
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2       Y  

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
311485 v.2   Drawing 191 3.0 25.0
311922 v.2   Academic and Professional Communications 100 3.0 25.0
312409 v.1   Art Studio Research - Methods and Materials 191 3.0 25.0
1782 v.8   Art and Visual Culture 192 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
311486 v.2   Art Studio Research - Methods and Materials 192 3.5 25.0
311927 v.1   The Design Experience 100 3.0 25.0
311928 v.1   Art and Creativity 100 4.0 25.0
1780 v.9   Historical Issues in Art and Design 192 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
313320 v.1   Art Studio Research - Strategies and Materials 291 3.0 25.0
313321 v.1   Art Studio Research - Concept and Process 291 3.0 25.0
12944 v.5   Art Visual Research 291 3.0 25.0
311364 v.3   History and Theory of Art and Design 291 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
311365 v.3   History and Theory of Art and Design 292 3.0 25.0
313322 v.1   Art Studio Research - Development and Extension 292 3.0 25.0
313324 v.1   Art Project 292 3.0 25.0
12946 v.5   Art Visual Research 292 3.0 25.0
  100.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Faculty of Humanities on telephone (08) 9266 3400, email humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://humanities.curtin.edu.au


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.